PLANNING SOS

Plan the PERFECT WEDDING

Local suppliers share tips and tricks to help couples create their dream day

Planning a wedding might seem like a scary experience at first with so many different aspects to consider – it’s hard knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve gathered top suppliers from around the region to share their advice for wedding planning.

www.laurabeasley.photography

BRIDAL BEAUTY

Alice says: Your make-up is something that can make or break your entire bridal look, so it’s vital to get it right. Things can get a little confusing with so many looks to choose from and factors to consider.

Think about how you usually wear your make-up on special occasions and look back at images of when you’d felt the best version of yourself – it’s important to know what you like and dislike.

Pinterest is a great inspirational tool for creating mood boards but be careful, as it can also be full of unrealistic edited images. Some make-up styles can look amazing when eyes are closed but are actually heavy and cause the eyes to look smaller once opened.

Keep in mind your dress style as the shape, material and neckline can all impact your look. Also, consider the time of year as a bold red lip can look fantastic for a winter wedding while glowing and dewy looks work well for summer.

Preparing your skin with a skincare routine will help the make-up sit on your skin better. Ensure you cleanse, tone, and moisturise morning and night while drinking at least two litres of water per day.

A spray tan can make you feel and look even more amazing on your big day as it helps to even out your skin tone, leaving behind a beautiful glow. It’s a good idea to get one well before your wedding to see how you look and feel. Make sure to think about the shade of foundation you’ll need to match your new tan.

When it comes to photography, digital colour can wash you out, and that’s why you should go for a slightly heavier look – particularly with lipstick and blusher. No one wants flashbacks in their pictures, which is why I only use products with no more than an SPF of 15. Alice Quinn | Wonderland Hair & Beauty By Alice www.wonderlandhairandbeautybyalice.com

PICTURE-PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY

Dawn says: With so many different companies to choose from, finding the perfect photographer can be a difficult task. Think about what you’d like the end product to look like and the style of photography you’re after; this could be dramatic shots or light and airy images.

Seek out photographers around your budget and get in touch with them – it always helps if you like them and know you can work well together. Let the team know as much as possible before booking them, so you both understand any expectations. Research their work to look at full galleries and view all parts of a wedding, not just the images they showcase. If you do pick a photographer that’s not local, make sure you’re happy with their travel arrangements because many like myself will stay local to the wedding the night before.

After booking a company, make sure you both stay in touch. From a photographers point of view, the more we know about your arrangements, the better! Dawn Matthews | Little Portrait Shop www.littleportraitshop.com

RAISE YOUR GLASS

Nicola says: Booking additional drinks for your wedding doesn’t need to be expensive. Make sure to check with your venue to find out what external services they allow.

It may be more cost-effective to do it yourself, but think about the logistics of providing your drinks. How would you get them to the venue, keep them at the correct temperature, serve the drinks and clear them away? Tables can quickly become full of dirty glasses spoiling your centrepieces if you don’t consider these factors.

A professional company is worth considering to take away added stress or worry. Provide the supplier with the order of the day, starting with arrival times for the welcoming drinks. Discuss if you want toast drinks placed on the tables before guests sit down or poured just before the speeches.

Most companies have a selection of drinks packages available to suit different budgets, from welcome drinks to all-inclusive bars. However, don’t be afraid to ask if you can substitute something or create a bespoke package because they can only say no. At Nickynoo Quirky Mobile Bars, we often adapt our packages and in the past have provided beers/ales from local breweries, bespoke cocktails, jugs of soft drinks for children and pimp your own gin or prosecco stations. Make sure to consider none drinkers as there are lots of lovely none alcoholic options, such as mocktails and spritzers. Nicola Robinson | Nickynoo Quirky Mobile Bars www.nickynoo.co.uk

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PURE BLISS

Nicola says: Wedding preparations can often be stressful, so the best way to relax and spend time together before the big day is to book a luxurious pre-wedding spa experience.

Personalised facial treatments are the perfect way to create a glowy appearance and will help you both feel revived for the special day. Treatments are full of nutrient-rich products that restore the skin. Dull or tired complexions are brightened and refreshed thanks to our Active Nutrients Glow From Within Facial, which features a gua sha massage combined with steaming, exfoliating, and multi-masking. The personallytailored Men’s ESPA Deep Cleansing Facial gives instant results for a clear, smooth, and energised complexion – perfect for restoring inner calm.

A tranquil countryside daybreak is ideal for pre-wedding downtime to alleviate the stress and tension from wedding planning and help immerse you both in total relaxation. We offer The Revive and Relax package, which allows couples to indulge in two hours of spa time with a choice of a 60-minute ESPA facial or a massage treatment each, as well as a glass of prosecco and the choice between a delicious cheese board, charcuterie board or vegetarian platter to share. For the ultimate luxury experience, upgrade to a longer treatment time or book an overnight stay for a relaxing getaway retreat. Nicola Baillie | The Spa at Wynyard Hall www.wynyardhall.co.uk

https://spphotography.uk BRIDAL PREPARATIONS

Norma says: If I could give one piece of advice to those attending their first fitting, it would be to ensure they have the right underwear – this will make quite a difference in your posture and how your bust sits. You want to feel comfortable and confident on the big day, not worrying about straps cutting in, wrinkles and more.

Many women are unaware of what underwear styles are suitable for their figure type and the kind of dress they have in mind. It’s wise to book a professional lingerie fitting before shopping for a gown, so you’re aware of any limitations.

Although having a smooth line is essential, think carefully before buying heavy-duty contour wear for a twelve-hour stint on a hot day. Lace undies may seem luxurious, but floaty and clingy fabrics will ripple instead of gliding over the fabric.

Help is at hand at your local haberdasher, as the team should carry a wide range of bra accessories to both enhance your shape and keep everything in place. For smaller busts, chicken fillets pads, bra boosters, nipple covers, modesty pads and body tape are valuable items in your armoury – particularly for a low front gown.

For those with a large bust, bra extenders and comfort strap pads help support and prevent lines from straps cutting in. Even if you think you won’t need them, it’s always handy to have as well as an emergency sewing kit and safety pins. Remember that your bridalwear budget needs to include good underwear and to have your dress altered. Norma Arthur | Amble Pin Cushion www.amblepincushion.co.uk

LOOKING YOUR BEST

Victoria says: Planning your special day can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming times of your life. Here are some top tips to make planning your make-up that little bit easier! ❤ Consider your colour scheme, bridesmaid dresses, flowers, styling and venue because this will all contribute to a particular wedding style and help you plan your make-up. ❤ After picking a venue, research local make-up artists nearby and ask friends for referrals. Remember, the team not only needs to enhance your natural features to create your desired look, but they should also make you feel relaxed and comfortable. ❤ Have a make-up a trial six to eight weeks before the wedding. Some brides have an additional one before booking a make-up artist to ensure they’re happy with their work. ❤ Spend time browsing photos online for looks that appeal to you; remember that every face shape is different, and styles you see online might appear different on you. Choose three favourite looks to show your supplier and let them work their magic. ❤ If you aren’t used to wearing make-up, feel free to keep things natural. Be honest with your make-up artist at your trial, as it’s better to give us more feedback. Victoria Taylor | Victoria Taylor Makeup www.facebook.com/victoriataylormakeup Ann says: I’ve been in the occasion wear business for more than 46 years and have lost count of the mother-of-the-brides/grooms we have dressed.

My advice would be to look for good quality outfits created by a trustworthy and experienced designer that offers a good range of styles and sizes. Finding the proper attire can be a stressful experience, so it’s essential to find somewhere with a relaxing atmosphere where you can browse at your leisure. Ask friends, relatives or colleagues for recommendations, and check if they were happy with the service offered.

It’s best to see the completed look for any special event, so check if the company has matching hats, shoes and handbags. Many outfits need adjustments to be perfect, so you’ll need alterations to ensure the perfect fit.

You should receive a personal and unhurried service from the team who can share advice on fit, colour and style. You’ll get this service from the team at Marianne Fashions, where we all have a minimum of 20 years of experience dressing ladies for special events. Ann Carpenter | Marianne Fashions www.mariannefashions.co.uk

https://condici.com

ENGLISH ROSE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

COVID- secure appointments and alterations now available

Brides to be, your dream dress just got closer. English Rose Bridal Boutique is a luxury wedding dress shop located in Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, boasting a huge array of designer gowns, accessories, shoes.

Claire and her fabulous team provide beautiful dresses in some of the most elegant, unique and quirky styles.

www.englishrosebridalboutique.com

Old Brewery House, South Burns, Chester-Le-Street, Co Durham, DH3 3EZ E englishrosebridalboutique@gmail.com T 07868 364350 like us on facebook

Amble Pin Cushion Bridal advert 95x141.indd 2 25/02/2019 09:47

NEATLY SEATED IS A NORTH EAST BASED EVENT HIRE COMPANY SINCE 2016, THAT SPECIALISES IN BRINGING YOU BESPOKE STYLING. TRENDS COME AND GO AND WE LIKE TO REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.

We cover a large area of the North East from Newcastle, Durham, Darlington and Sunderland. We have a large range of styling items, which we are continuously adding too. This includes chiavari chairs, floral arches, candle votives, vases, love letters, Mr and Mrs and lots more. The business owner, Diane says:- ‘it has been a challenging time in 2020, however bringing your visions to life in 2021, and continuing into 2022 has been so worthwhile and rewarding’.

Check out or website:- www.neatlyseated.co.uk Also on Facebook and Instagram, alternately contact us on:- M – 0797 0585323, E- dianenicholson946@hotmail.com

Corbridge NE45 5NH 01434 634444 info@theweddingdresscompany.co.uk www.theweddingdresscompany.co.uk